Forever Undone

by J. Saman

I never should have agreed to marry my older brother's best friend, but I was in a bit of a jam.

Aston Hughes is gorgeous, arrogant, and irritatingly broody. The single dad is also the new trauma surgeon at my hospital and my temporary roommate.

Two years ago, we shared a mistaken kiss during a blackout, and nothing's been right between us since.

So really, I shouldn't have said yes when he suggested a marriage of convenience.

But after leaving my bad ex behind, I discover I'm pregnant with his baby, and I'm scared.

Aston offers to marry me as protection from my ex in exchange for helping out with his daughter, who needs more stability in her life after recently losing her mother. It's an unfortunate no-brainer.

Only what starts as a simple business arrangement quickly turns messy. Heated. Soon he's no longer fighting with me but for me as he calls me his wife and claims my baby as his.

Except nothing is that simple or easy for any of us.

Now here I am, falling for the hotshot doctor and his daughter while our lives come undone around us.

What you'll LOVE in Forever Undone...
* Grumpy Single Dad Surgeon
* Sassy Sunshine Pediatric Nurse
* Enemies to Lovers
* Workplace Romance
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Marriage of Convenience
* Pregnancy (not his baby)
* Age Gap (10 years)
* Forced Proximity
* STEAMYYYYYY with some k!nk, FEELS, and BANTER
* He Falls First with a swoon-y HEA

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Romance, Workplace Romance, Surprise Pregnancy, Contemporary Romance

362 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 16, 2026

About the author

J. Saman is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 bestselling author who writes sassy, swoony, and scorching contemporary romances. She is addicted to Diet Coke, sour candy, and indie rock. She swears way too much (especially after a glass of wine) and has a penchant for sarcasm (or so her husband and children like to tell her).

J. is an admitted lover of second chance romances, enemies to lovers, and the perfect amount of angst. She is best known for writing funny and emotional romances filled with smart, strong women, and sexy alphas who have a softer side - especially for their women.

Want to learn more about J. Saman? You can check out her website http://www.jsamanbooks.com

To receive a free copy of one of my books, subscribe to my newsletter:
SUBSCRIBE

You can also follow her on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

Reviews

[J. Saman]

Releasing February 16th!

📌 Preorder: http://geni.us/ForeverUndone

📌 Add to your TBR: https://geni.us/ForeverUndoneTBR

Tropes for Forever Undone...
🤱Accidental pregnancy - not his baby
👨‍🍼Grumpy single dad surgeon
💅Strong nurse with a bad ex
💍Marriage of convenience
💥Enemies to Lovers
🤫Brother's best friend
🏠Forced Proximity
🤭Age gap (10 years)
🩺Workplace
🔥STEAM with k!nk

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ | 3.5🌶
I loved being in this world. It's always a comfort. I loved Aston, Skylar and Zoey. Sky and Zoey's bond was so sweet. I'm excited to see where this series will go (I'm super curious about Micha). Thank you to valentine pr for this arc.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Undone is the first book in the Forever Boston series. This is single dad, surprise pregnancy (not his baby), roommates, age gap, brother’s best friend, marriage of convenience, and this is angsty!

Two years ago on Valentine’s Day, Aston and Skylar kissed in the dark. They parted in a hurry. Now, Aston just moved back to Boston with his daughter, Zoe. He moved into Skylar’s brother’s house, which is where she is living after leaving her abusive relationship who unfortunately works at the same hospital as her. Skylar is afraid of her ex who won’t leave her alone. Especially after she found out that she is pregnant. Zoe has gone through a lot, and has bonded with Skylar. Aston still thinks about that kiss from two years ago, but he’s more interested in protecting Skylar from her ex and helping Zoe cope with her trauma, so he proposes a marriage of convenience. Except that it doesn’t stay fake for long.

Forever Undone is my first J. Saman novel. It was angsty, but it had a lot of heart with fantastic character development! Skylar and Zoe were particularly sympathetic characters. Aston is an emotionally strong and controlled hero that supported his girls. I loved how Aston handled everything that was thrown at them. The spice didn’t counterbalance the romance, which I loved. I loved how Skylar and Zoe bonded. I understood and it was reaffirmed why Skylar panicked and didn’t want to tell her ex that she was pregnant. What tipped it from 4.5 star rating to 5 stars was Micah, Skylar’s brother. I loved his reactions and his deviousness!

The audiobook was well narrated in duet style JF Harding & CJ Bloom. I would recommend listening to the audiobook when it is released on February 15th!

Thank you to Must Love Audio for an ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was angsty, steamy, and packed with emotional depth. It was the kind of romance that pulls at your heart while still delivering all the tension you want from a grumpy single dad story.

Aston is a pediatric trauma surgeon and fiercely devoted father who is completely undone by the one woman he shouldn’t want-his best friend’s little sister. Aston is guarded, intense, and a little arrogant on the surface. He falls first and hard. Watching him shift from fighting with Skylar to fighting for her was super amazing.

Skylar is sunshine wrapped around steel. She's fresh out of toxic relationship and unexpectedly pregnant, she’s vulnerable but far from weak. I loved that her sass never disappears, even when she’s hurting.

The forced proximity and workplace tension crank up the heat fast. Sharing a condo. Working at the same hospital. Pretending to be married. The chemistry between Aston and Skylar is intense from the start, and once the emotional walls start cracking, the steam absolutely delivers. The banter is sharp, the tension delicious, and the protective streak in Aston...yeah...

The emotional push and pull can feel overwhelming at times. There’s a lot happening. There's pregnancy, grief, ex-drama, family tension...and occasionally it borders on too much. But for readers who love high emotion and big romantic gestures, that intensity will be a plus.

This book was a heartfelt, steamy, grumpy, single dad romance with real emotional payoff.

While I'm obvioulsy fan girling, I'm not hiding my excitement for J. Saman's books. She's not exactly a new author to me, but she is definitely a new "click download, no excuses, automatic read." for me. Full stop.

Thank you to VPR publishing and J. Saman for the amazing opportunity to read this novel before it was published. This is my honest review.

[Inge Mosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Saman is without a doubt one of my favorite authors. Her books feel like pure comfort, like indulging in your favorite comfort food after a long, exhausting day. They’re healing for the mind and have this beautiful ability to instantly make everything feel a little brighter. Her stories make me genuinely happy, and that feeling lingers long after I’ve turned the final page.

Everything about this book was absolutely perfect, I love the “it was always you”, best friend’s little sister tropes. The story was beautifully written and completely immersive from beginning to end, and I loved every single moment of it. I adore the hospital setting of this series, and it was so wonderful to read more about the characters from the previous series. I love those families and it truly felt like reconnecting with old friends. I absolutely loved Skylar and Aston, and Zoey made this story even better! I really can wait for the rest of this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
🎧 duet

I've found my favorite J Saman book! This had me swooning and blushing. Aston & Skylar shared a kiss on Valentine's Day two years earlier and he instantly pulled away. Now he's moving back to town with his daughter in tow, and sharing her brother’s condo.

I love the instant connection Skylar had with Aston's daughter, Zoe. She liked Zoe before she liked Aston, which made the decision to marry Aston easy. She would be the positive female influence in Zoe's life and in return, the marriage would get Zoe's crazy ex/baby daddy to leave her alone.

What to expect:
▫️single dad
▫️pregnant but not his baby
▫️forced proximity
▫️age gap
▫️brother's best friend
▫️marriage of convenience (until it's not 😉)

Narrated in duet by JF Harding & CJ Bloom. They are great narrators and were perfect foe these characters.

Thanks to Valentine PR for ALC.

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. Saman is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and Forever Undone only confirms that. I loved this story so much.

“You can’t have a new reality with an old mentality.” 🤍

Fresh out of an abusive relationship, Skylar is trying to find her peace again. Her story truly moved me, discovering the scars a toxic relationship can leave behind, but also how little people sometimes realize the impact their words can have. Sky is such an interestingly built character because, because beneath her insecurities, there’s a warm and loving person. It’s no surprise Aston can’t resist her.

“I’ve known loneliness for so long it’s become the only color I wear. I’m tired of it.”

Of course, his attraction to Sky also comes with plenty of fears for Aston, which makes it fascinating to watch him navigate them. Not only is she his best friend’s baby sister, but their lives are complicated in their own ways as well. I loved that their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, leaving room for some delicious interactions. Oh, I absolutely adored Sky’s sharp tongue! Gradually, though, it grows into something more, and I loved how gentle and caring Aston is with her.

Zoey is such a sweet and clever child. I truly grew fond of her. I also loved watching the bond that develops between her and Skylar. Seeing Aston in his role as a father puts him in such a positive light. He always keeps Zoey at the heart of every decision he makes.

“All women have rainbows. We just have to find the sun through the rain in order to see them.”

● ● ● ● ◐

I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

— grumpy single dad surgeon
— pregnancy (not his baby)
— marriage of convenience
— sassy sunshine pediatric nurse
— age gap
— steamy, feels & banter

Thank you @jsamanbooks & @valentine_pr_ for this ARC! 🥰

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll stay it again—give me all the not his baby books. Seeing a man take on a true partnership role throughout a pregnancy even though the baby isn’t biologically his will never not leave me in a puddle.

I listened to the audio for this one and JF Harding gave a great performance as Aston. CJ Bloom narrated for Skylar and did a solid job as well.

Do make sure to read TWs as there is discussion and on-page DV (not between MCs). I felt that for the most part, this was thoughtfully written, but there was one bit of internal monologue that might be distressing for someone who’s been in a similar situation.

[randi reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subconscious knows all.

Aston and Skyler can pretend all they want that they don’t like each other, but thankfully their subconscious won’t let them down. I enjoyed this story so much. Their banter, their resistance to each other, their support of each other, and their love. It’s never too late to find your strength.

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 4 out of 5]

arc rtc

[✨Sandra✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was amazing, just as always with Julie's audiobooks and stories. I was hooked from the first minute, and I loved these two together.

Aston and Skylar was so good together. I loved the angst, banter and everything in between. Especially Skylar's relationship with Aston's daughter Zoe. I've not read a lot of books with pregnancy where the MMC isn't the father, but I loved this one. There was some drama, and it really played a huge part of the story. It was done so well.

Skylar and Aston's chemistry was off the charts, and it was steamy and hot. I love this, and I can't wait to read more from J. Saman. Her doctor series are my favorites 🤍✨

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

A brother’s-best-friend, forced proximity, marriage of convenience, single dad romance with emotion, steam, and the most beautiful love story. I loved Aston and Skylar’s story!

This is the first book in a new series from J. Saman, a second-gen to several of Saman’s other series. It can absolutely be read as a standalone, but long-time Saman fans will love catching up with beloved characters from earlier books. This book features Aston (son of Jonah and Halle from The Edge of Temptation) and Skylar (daughter of Brecken and Rina from The Edge of Chaos).

Aston and Skylar have known each other their whole lives. Their parents are friends and Aston is best friends with Skylar’s older brother, but because of their ten-year age gap, they never really spent a lot of time together. Now, they’re suddenly unexpected roommates. Skylar has just gotten out of an abusive relationship and is staying at her brother’s empty house while she gets back on her feet, Aston has just been through a trauma of his own, and has moved to Boston with his five year old daughter, and he moves straight into his best friend’s house. Not only that, but they work together – Aston is the new trauma surgeon at the same hospital where Skylar works as an ICU nurse.

Aston is thrilled with the development. He hasn’t moved on from an anonymous kiss they shared during a power blackout two years previously, and the more he can get of Skylar the better. She is less happy about the situation, but she quickly bonds with Aston’s daughter, and they settle into a tentative peace. When Skylar finds out that she is pregnant, she’s terrified for her safety, and that of her baby, so Aston steps in and proposes a marriage of convenience to offer her protection, and to create some stability for his own daughter.

Honestly, I thought the premise of the marriage was a little weak, and probably not necessary, but I was fully on board for the ride! I loved these characters, I could feel the chemistry between them, and I so desperately wanted to see them come together, so I happily went along with it for the pure joy of the situation and watching them squirm with their obvious attraction to each other.

I’m severely attracted to my best friend’s little sister. She’s everything I was never interested in until I kissed her, and now she’s everything I don’t know how to escape.

Aston is all in from the very beginning, and his strong feelings and mad attraction to Skylar is so gorgeous. He’s protective and caring, and he’s exactly what she needs in more ways than she knows. They banter and tease, and the flirting is so entertaining. And while Skylar is understandably hesitant to actually get involved with somebody, she’s helpless against the perfection that is her new husband.

“Just try with me, Skylar. Try with me, and I’ll try with you, and we’ll take it as it comes. I don’t want to play games. I don’t want to have to keep fighting the way I want you. I want to kiss you, and I want that kiss to be real. I want it to mean something.”

There’s plenty of protectiveness and hot “my wife” moments, and when they finally give in to their attraction, the steamy time is HOTTT! Aston is a dirty talker with a bit of a kinky side, and he’s all about Skylar, and OMG, these two are on fire together! But despite all of the heat, it’s the emotional connection that really shines between these two, and they are so gorgeous together.

“I know you’re scared. I’m scared. There is nothing easy about us, sweetheart. But instead of pushing me away, pull me toward you … I don’t know exactly what this is or even what it could be, but I want to find out. I don’t want to run from it.”

They have some demons to overcome, and there are external dramas they need to contend with, but that all blends beautifully with the developing romance and works to move the story forward and show the strength of their relationship, which I just loved.

“God, Skylar, you have so much power over me, and you don’t even see it. I’m yours.”

Aston is so amazing. He’s everything that you want in a romantic hero, and the man melted me (in more ways than one!). And Skylar is such a fantastic heroine. She’s been through a lot, and I loved watching her reclaim her life with Aston by her side. Her increasing confidence made me cheer, and I was so proud of her and the courage that she showed in taking back control and fighting for the best for herself and her baby.

The romance is so beautifully swoony, and I loved seeing these get their well-deserved their happy ending. They are absolutely gorgeous together, and I finished this book with dreamy sighs and a big smile on my face.

Such a great read – 4.5 stars.

An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by the author for an honest review.

[Nonna 2K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Boston!

Every time I read a book by J. Saman, it’s like getting a warm hug, because I feel like I am among family members. Forever Undone is book 1 in her Forever Boston series, which brings us the lives of the next generation of the Fritz family.

The FMC is Skylar Davenport. She’s a member of the Fritz family and a pediatric nurse.
The MMC is Aston Hughes. He’s a pediatric trauma surgeon who recently moved back to Boston and is working at the same hospital as Skylar.

Skylar has just gotten out of an abusive relationship, although only those closest to her know the reason why she broke it off with her boyfriend. Aston’s ex-wife passed away six months ago, and he moved back to Boston with his daughter so he can give her a more stable home life and be by his family. Unfortunately for Skylar, who moved into her brother’s home while he’s away with Doctors Without Borders, Aston walks in with a key of his own and tells her he’s going to be living in the house.

Aston is a bit of a jerk at the start, and not to make excuses for him, but it’s a defense mechanism. First, although he married his ex-wife due to her being pregnant, he did fall in love with her only to be betrayed when she cheated on him. Then there’s the instance of “the KISS” between him and Skylar a couple of years ago. It was a kiss that stayed with him over the years and his attraction to Skylar didn’t go away during that time. He’s trying to protect his heart and his daughter’s, which is why (in my opinion) he is so curt and acts like a jerk.

Aston and Skylar have an antagonistic banter and it all stems from that kiss and how Aston speaks to her. He’s not the smoothest when it comes to communication or when he’s trying to keep distance between them. He says things incorrectly, but for the correct reasons. Skylar learns she is pregnant with her abusive ex-boyfriend’s baby and finds herself in a situation where she isn’t sure she plans on telling him due to his behavior. Aston proposed they get married for convenience sake…she can be protected from the ex by her marriage and his daughter, Zoey, can have a stable home environment.

There is a bit of drama in the story happening, but not between our main characters. If you pay attention, you will figure it out. I was surprised that the situation was taken care of so easily, because I really want suffering to happen to that person. But then, I sat back and realized that J. Saman writes stories about the power of love, which always wins out and overshadows the negative actions that tried to work against it.

I loved the immediate connection between Skylar and Zoey. Skylar doesn’t just listen, she HEARS what Zoey says and follows through with different activities or things that comfort her. Aston and Skylar’s banter was fun to read, especially since he continually fought his attraction for her (without success). Reading about how they were thinking about the other, while they sniped at each other in the story, was enjoyable. You could see how they were working their way through their fears and feelings with each interaction. Neither wanted to risk their heart again, even though feelings for the other were taking root.

This is the story of a woman coming into her own power.
A woman who works to silence the negative words she’s faced in life that made her feel smaller.
It’s the story of a woman taking charge and learning to go after what she wants.
It’s also the story of a man who has been hurt by love.
He’s not looking to fall in love again, in fact he’s trying his best to NOT let that happen.
It’s the story of a man who can no longer fight the attraction he’s had for a woman he only kissed in the past.
It’s the story of a woman and a man who are each other’s person, although it takes them a while to figure that out.

If this is your first J. Saman book, welcome to the addiction. If you are interested in learning more about the families…
Skylar Davenport is the daughter of Rina and Brecken Davenport from The Edge of Chaos, Edge Book #4.
Aston Hughes is the son of Hallie and Jonah Hughes from The Edge of Temptation, Edge Book #1.

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Forever Undone Book 1 in the Forever Boston Series by J. Saman. This is a 10 star read for me I absolutely loved this book it was such a good read I have been so excited for it and it went above and beyond my expectations. I couldn’t put it down I was hooked it made me laugh and smile I loved all the tension and drama. This is Aston and Skylar’s story. I love all the banter and back and forth between them its addicting. Aston has been through a lot in past couple years with his ex wife but he's still a confident cocky doctor. Skylar has been through a lot too but she is so sassy especially to Aston and I love it. They are both stubborn, opinionated and love to rile the other up. This is a slow burn, spicy, brother’s best friend, 10 year age gap, surprise pregnancy (not his baby), single dad, forced proximity, co-workers, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers romance. Aston is 35 he is a Pediatric Trauma Surgeon and a single dad to his 5 year old daughter Zoey. He and his daughter just moved back to Boston for a new start and to be closer to family. Skylar is 25 and is a Pediatric ICU Nurse. She recently left her abuse ex and moved into her brothers empty house. Skylar’s brother Micah is Aston’s best friend. Skylar and Aston have known each other there whole lives but cant stand each other. Now that Aston is back in Boston not only will he and Skylar be working together at Boston’s children’s hospital but because of a misunderstanding on Micah's end both Skylar and Aston and Zoey will be living together until Aston can get her own place. This is awkward and uncomfortable for both of them since along with hating each other they shared a steamy kiss 2 years ago during a blackout thinking they were strangers until the lights turned back on and they realized who they were to each other and Aston called her a mistake. Skylar discovers she’s pregnant and panics she doesn’t want Josh around her or her baby with his abusive personality. Aston swoops in and asks her to marry him so he can protect her from Josh and so she can help him give Zoey a more stable home life since she has quickly grown attached to Skylar. I love Skylar and Zoey's relationship. Zoey has been through a lot in the last 6 months with the loss of her mom and I love her bond with Skylar. Their marriage is fake and Skylar hates him but he has always wanted her and cant get her off his mind he keeps his distance because she is forbidden and he doesn’t want to fall and get hurt again like with his ex wife but he can’t help wanting this to be real. I love the moment they both finally let go and give themselves over to their feelings and let themselves have what they want and admit they like each other and admit this is real. I absolutely love their story and their journey even though it’s complicated and filled with tension, drama and spice. Aston is a dirty mouthed cocky mmc and I love him. I love the undercurrent of suspense and I love their HEA this is such a great read I highly recommend it.

P.S. I also listened to the audiobook and it's absolutely fantastic I loved it the narrators CJ Bloom and JF Harding were fantastic and really made the story come alive

 

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Story & Narration🎧Sweet, Spicy & Engaging!

Forever Undone
Forever Boston, Book 1
By: J. Saman
Narrated by: CJ Bloom, JF Harding

It is great to be back in J. Saman’s “Boston Billionaires” world again for another amazing romance novel, putting her own spin on favorite tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, marriage of convenience and workplace romance tropes and mastering them all. If you are new to J. Saman’s “Boston Billionaire’s” world, no worries, this book stands on its own, and everything you need to know is in the details, familial relations included, so you will never feel lost or like something is missing. This first book of “Forever Boston” is Aston and Skylar, and both come from prominent families in Boston, the Hughes and Fritz families. Aston is best friends with Skylar’s older brother, Micah, and there is a ten-year age gap between them. A chance encounter, an intimate moment, and a shared kiss that never should have happened, but one neither forgot. Present day, he returns to Boston a single dad and the new trauma surgeon at the same hospital where Skylar is a nurse in the ICU. Skylar was living with her boyfriend, but it was a toxic relationship so she finally left him and is living in her brother Micah’s apartment. Then Micah offers his apartment to Aston and his daughter, forgetting about Skylar, which did not go over well with Skylar, creating another awkward meeting, but she was great with his daughter, who has not been doing well after losing her mother, Aston’s ex-wife. It was great to watch these two navigate their new situation and living arrangement, and then several things happen and they come up with a plan that is beneficial for both: to become husband and wife. This book drew me in right from the start, grabbing my attention and holding it captive the entire time. I loved the depth and complexity of the characters, all the layers of the story and how it all played out, with the perfect balance of drama, angst, witty dialogue and banter, heartwarming moments, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are incredible, as are the character growth and development. J. Saman, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 CJ Bloom and JF Harding, a perfect pairing and cast to bring the characters to life, deliver an amazing performance with voices that are fitting for a spot-on portrayal of each. Both embodied their characters completely, grasping every aspect of their personality, and the powerful chemistry and connection between them. They set the ideal tone for the story and handled the witty dialogue and banter naturally. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance, conveying all the characters’s emotions, their passion, and having you feel it all. It is a pleasure to listen to these two entertaining storytellers perform, a duet performance that takes the story to another level and keeps you glued to it.

[Mars · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sign up for anything written by Julie so to be honest when I got the ARC, I had to read the blurb of this book because I forgot which one it is. I was so surprised to see this is a next gen series of the Boston Billionaires series which is one of my favorite and so underrated. Same world, only more characters to love.

This is about Aston, a single dad doctor who moves to Boston to start over after the passing of his daughter's mom. In Boston, he finds himself living with his bestfriend's sister Skylar. They shared an unforgettable kiss a few Valentines Day back and have since avoided each other. Now they are in close proximity, they are forced to confront their feelings and what happened that night. That is expedited when Skylar finds out she is pregnant by her abusive and toxic ex. Aston suggests they get married to help Skylar keep her ex at bay and at the same time, give Aston's daughter a sense of stability in her life. She agrees to marry him and we all know this story, they end up falling for each other - the end! Except for a couple of conflicts before they get there - the abusive ex, Skylar's brother/Aston bestfriend, the baby, Skylar's huge family etc. All drama and chaos that just adds to the story.

I really like the old series and the concept of the next generation. Because I have read the previous series, it didnt confuse me but I can see for someone picking this book up as their first J Saman book can get confused on the who's who. I really like the showing the medical/hospital scenes and Aston and Skylar's careers. I love the big supportive families and the friendship group that Skylar has. Really excited for the next book based on the preview. I love the story overall. I enjoy these types of MMC who steps in the role of dad eventhough the baby is not theirs. I love the switch up and insistent use of "my wife" and calling the FMC their full married name. I like Aston's daughter sweet Zoey who captivated Skylar. I like the chemistry between the leads and the banter and tension after they meet again. Special shoutout to both the lead's moms - so hilarious!

Some things I didnt like - Skylar intentionally planning on not telling her ex about the baby, how rude Aston was in the beginning (asking her to move out etc) and a bit of trope/storyline fatigue. I think I have read a lot of her books so I feel like some of these tropes and storyline are not as unique.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book. It's a beautiful love story between two people who deserves love and to be taken cared of, new beginnings, healing, and finding their person which each other. It shows the importance of having family to back you up and support you no matter what.

[Kealyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Undone by J. Saman

5/5 stars

It's no secret that I love and enjoy J. Saman's romances so, so much. And Forever Undone is another masterpiece by Julie. It is just so easy to fall into her stories and I haven't read a book where I didn't like the characters yet. I think this is one of her top 10 books. I enjoyed it that much!

This is the story of Aston and Skylar. Aston is at a party and looking for a bathroom to relieve himself. As he opens the door the light goes out and he realizes someone is in the bathroom. He just got divorced and this lady instantly turns him on. They share a passionate kiss and when the light flicks back on he is shocked that he kissed his best friend's little sister. He calls it a mistake and two years pass. 

Skylar just came out of an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship. And she is fighting hard to build herself back up again. Meanwhile Aston just moved back home after the mother of his daughter died and tries to set up a new life for the two of them.

Misha, Skylar's brother and Aston's best friend accidentally promises the both of them his house as he is away for work for a long period of time. So when Aston moves with his beautiful daughter Zoey he is shocked that Skylar is there. They instantly bicker and they realize that for the time being they have to share the house for a few months. And that is what kickstarts this stunning love story. 

It's a story of two people who were heavily impacted by a stolen kiss in the dark. But also a story of the trauma they both went through. Skylar's abuse, Zoey's who just lost her mother and Aston who suddenly is a single father trying his best to take care of his girl.

They bicker, argue and taunt each other and I absolutely couldn't get enough of the joy their banter brought to the book. I love how they both flirt, engage and aren't afraid to show their emotions at times. 

Skylar finds something out and before she knows it they are tied together even more strongly and tightly.

I love the whole family and friend aspect of this entire series. This group of characters is so tightly knitted together and I love how unconditional their love and friendship is.

The heart of this book is definitely Zoey. The little girl that unites and ties two people together. I love how smart she is, and how she isn't afraid of opening up her heart. She made me smile multiple times and I just wanted to hug her myself.

Another core message of this book is being present in someone's life. Being a truly trustworthy person for someone else. With no strings attached. Just full of commitment, honesty and the greatest kind of love.

5 huge stars from me for Aston and Skylar. I love these two to pieces. And I wish them infinite happiness. ♥

[BookishRaquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️ | 5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Billionaire Romance
- Workplace Romance
- He's a Surgeon
- She's a Nurse
- Marriage of Convenience
- Grumpy + Sunshine
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Single Dad
- Pregnant (Not His Baby)
- Brother's Best Friend
- Age Gap (10 years)

My Thoughts:
I love a good billionaire romance, and J. Saman absolutely delivered. This book was fun, a bit messy, heartfelt, and had me locked in from start to finish. Two years ago, Skylar and Aston shared a kiss and then went their separate ways. Now, Aston is moving back to Boston with his daughter Zoey in tow. Aston is staying at his best friend's house, which, unbeknownst to him, happens to be where Skylar, his best friend's little sister, is also staying. Making things even more complicated, they work at the same hospital, and Skylar finds out she is pregnant with her terrible ex's baby. Skylar's ex is obsessive and won't leave her alone, so Aston proposes a marriage of convenience to protect her.

I loved Skylar and Aston together. They had amazing chemistry, and I loved their banter. Skylar is a strong character, and I was totally rooting for her. She is guarded and unsure because of her past, but Aston is patient, protective, and completely devoted to her. He falls first and proves it in the way he shows up for her without hesitation. Aston is so swoony, and I adored his relationship with his daughter Zoey. He gave Skylar the safety she was seeking. Skylar and Aston definitely have a steamy connection, but the vulnerable and sweet moments are what made their love story work for me. As always, the found family element was perfect. I love their friendships, and it's always nice spending more time with members of the Fritz family. This was a great start to the series, and I'm excited to see what comes next.

Narration:
CJ Bloom and JF Harding performed this audiobook in duet narration. There is just something magical when these two perform together. Their voices work so well. CJ and JF were perfectly cast as Skylar and Aston, and I felt they brought their complicated and chaotic stories to life in the best way. Both fully embodied the characters and infused so much personality into their performances. I felt the passion, tension, emotion, vulnerability...everything. This was a great listening experience.

Thanks to J. Saman and Lyric Audiobooks for the review opportunity. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aston & Skylar ... sizzling

📚ebook & 🎧audio review

Being back amongst J. Saman's Boston elite always puts a smile on my face. FOREVER UNDONE, Forever Boston #1 has multiple layers of emotions, wonderful banter, sizzling chemistry, and sigh inducing moments. Julie pulled on the heartstrings with this next generation romance.

An impromptu, yet explosive, Valentine's kiss between Aston Hughes and Skylar Davenport changed their friendship, and not for the better. The lights were out and when they came back on Aston walked away knowing he had just kissed his best friend's much younger sister, but neither forgot the kiss they shared. Two years passed with minimal interaction and their lives are about to intersect again, has Micah Davenport been meddling? Aston is returning to Boston with his daughter Zoe after the death of his ex-wife to restart his life. Skylar has just left an abusive relationship. She needed time to sort herself out and get her life back on track. What neither of them expected was to find the other living in the condo Micah had promised each of them separately.

Right from the beginning Aston and Skylar's relationship was filled with tension, a real push and pull, but with neither willing to give in. Both falling for each other but not willing to take that next step until Skylar realises she's pregnant with her ex's child. I loved that Aston fell hard for Skylar, the way he was so protective of her. He also was the best daddy ever to Zoe, this man just melted my heart with his action, and melted my panties with his dirty mouth. Skylar showed a huge amount of strength considering everything she had to put up with from her ex. When Aston and Skylar finally gave into their feelings ... talk about explosive heat. They were perfect together.

🎧Audio Review🎧

Being able to experience total immersion through listening and reading only enhanced this story. CJ Bloom and JF Harding's duet narration captured all the emotions, tension and the steam superbly. CJ 's portrayal of Skylar's fear was sublime, while JF's portrayal of Aston was faultless. They always deliver narrations which allow for a deeper experience.

FOREVER UNDONE was another heartwarming story from Ms. Saman. It was easy to devour as I yet again became ensnared by Julie's words and this amazing group of people. Roman's story is next and I can't wait.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Undone is the start of a new series, Forever Boston by J. Saman and follows on from her other Boston series with Skylar, paediatric nurse and Aston, single dad, the new trauma surgeon and Skylar’s brother’s best friend. Ashton moves back to Boston with his daughter, Zoey, and finds Skylar staying in her brother’s place, where he will also be staying. So, cue the awkward we kissed 2 years ago at a valentine’s event, work together (along with Skylar’s ex who is a resident at the hospital) and now living in the same house together.

Zoey very quickly bonds with Skylar whilst Aston and Skylar tip toe around each other. There’s a quietly sizzling but burning chemistry between them. Ashton remembers that kiss from two years ago and is torn between his feelings towards Skylar and wanting to protect Zoey from getting close to a women help her heal form the trauma of losing her mum. Skylar has recently escaped her toxic ex, the emotional abuse, the threats and constant degrading finally enable Skylar to leave and she thinks she’s free, until she discovers she’s pregnant with his baby.

The news that Skylar is pregnant terrifies her, she’s scared of her ex finding out and of being tied to him forever. Aston proposes a marriage of convenience, Zoey is struggling after losing her mother, she has bonded with Skylar and needs stability, and Skylar needs protection from her ex. It’s practical, temporary but it’s not romantic so Skylar says yes because she’s desperate and because Aston feels safe in a way she can’t explain. When Skylar’s abusive ex threatens both her and Aston, tries to manipulate her, undermine her marriage and realises the baby she is carrying is his, he also leaves Skylar in no doubt that he’s dangerous, to her, to her baby and to the patients in the hospital.

Skylar and Astons journey feels like they are both walking on eggshells most of the time, both afraid of breaking themselves and each other. Skylar’s insecurities from the emotional scars left by her ex resurface. Aston becomes protective, claims her pregnancy as his responsibility and calls her his wife like he means it; their marriage isn’t convenient, it isn’t temporary it isn’t pretend, it’s real. Great start to the new series.

[Chandra Tuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking It Never Felt So Right…So Perfect!

What happens when you experience the kiss of a lifetime with the one person you can’t have and certainly don’t want? That’s what happens to Skylar and Aston one fateful Valentine’s Day. It was a mistake that neither one of them wants to repeat.

Fast forward, and Aston and Skylar find themselves thrown back together. Life hasn’t been easy for either of them since, “the kiss.” Both of them are as wary of each other as they are of relationships, but when Skylar needs a lifeline, Aston is there for her in ways she could never have imagined. In fact, at times, Aston questions his willingness to put so much on the line for his best friend’s bratty little sister. Seriously, they don’t even like each other, right?

All of Skylar Fritz Davenport’s life she’s been told that she’s not enough. She’s never felt like she fit in, and she’s always been told, “you’re too this or too that.” Nobody sees the real Skylar. . She’s Boston royalty…a Fritz princess, but she’s always been made to feel like an ugly duckling. Until, Aston Hughes calls her his “little swan” and convinces Sklyar to herself through his eyes.

If there was ever a man to lose yourself in, it’s definitely Aston Hughes. This single dad is as infuriating as he is irresistible. Just when he says something that makes you want to swat at him, he follows it up with a gesture that takes your breath away. Beneath his arrogant, broody exterior, Aston is the stuff of swoon-worthy dreams and wicked, sensual fantasies. He whispers beautiful words of praise mixed with dirty promises, and he most certainly delivers!

Every fight, every glance, every touch brings Aston and Skylar closer to the point of no return. Suddenly, “just this once” starts feeling like this thing between them–that started out as fake– might be the most real, the most forever thing that Aston and Skylar needed all along.

Skylar’s glow-up is nothing short of magnificent. She becomes the hero in her own story as she learns to stand up for herself and fight for the future she wants. Aston Hughes might just be the book boyfriend who makes you forget all the ones who came before him.

Skylar is no damsel in distress, and Aston is definitely no Prince Charming. Still, in the end, Aston and Skylar rescue each other, and
that's what makes this story and them so special for me.

If Forever Undone is any indication, we're in for a lot of magical moments and desires awakened with Julie Saman’s new series.

[Helen - HappilySheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this best friend’s little sister, marriage of convenience romance. Filled with amazing chemistry, banter & a hero who falls first, I was sucked into Aston & Skyler’s love story from the very beginning. Their initial meet-cute is romance perfection. I adored the entire exchange & both of their responses to the moment 👀. It perfectly sets up the bigger story, their chemistry, their longing & the reasons they can never be a couple. Really, truly loved.

As the story unfolds, I love how hard Aston falls & his good-guy protective vibe. A “not his baby” trope isn’t always my favorite but this one is so carefully set up & unfolds believably. Skyler’s desperation & Aston’s two-pronged desire to help her felt genuine & honorable. The ultrasound scene was everything. Seriously, ovary melting. I don’t want to spoil it, but it was perfection.

Now, let’s talk about tension, longing & chemistry because this book has it in spades. Plus, the burn when it comes is ridiculously good. J Saman can write a spicy scene that makes me want to shout from the rooftops for everyone to read this book. She is elite. There’s no shying away from the desire that literally smokes off Aston as he declare how much he wants Skyler & their underlying chemistry is wickedly good. I mean, good grief, the spice was impressive.

I loved the side characters (or hated them as required) & Skyler’s best friend is so good. Like, I’m hoping she gets a book because I love her brand of fiercely devoted friend. I loved that this book brought together two of my favorite series in The Edge & the Doctor Boston Billionaire series. I loved reading all those books and all the characters from them. This book felt a little like coming home.

My only tiny comment is that as I read the ending, the resolution of the hospital issue felt a tad rushed. At the time, I wanted there to be a little more suspense, or perhaps for it to reveal itself another way. It’s a tiny note in a five star read but it did sort of stick with me.

J Saman has always been an auto-buy author for me & this book is an example of why. I 100% recommend this book. 5 stars. 3 peppers.

PLOT
It’s a billionaire doctor, marriage-of-convenience romance that’s heavy on the protector vibes 👀. Plus, I love it when he falls first 💕

TROPES
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
↕️ Age Gap
💰 Billionaire
😠🥰 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏡 Forced Proximity
👀 Boy Obsessed
🫠 He Falls First
🧍 Single Dad
👠 Workplace romance
🩺 Doctor
💍 Marriage of Convenience

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 ⭐

Tropes:
🩺 enemies to lovers
🤰🏻 grumpy surgeon x sassy, sunshine pediatric nurse
🩺 single dad
🤰🏻brother's best friend
🩺 forced proximity
🤰🏻 marriage of convenience
🩺 unexpected pregnancy (not his)
🤰🏻 age gap (10 years)
🩺 found family

J. Saman is SO BACK everyone!! The Boston World family tree that Julie built just keeps growing and growing and honestly, each new book and series makes me even more impressed by how interconnected the universe is.

I loveddd Skyler and Aston from the start. After a scorching, and unexpected, kiss, the two have been avoiding each other like the plague. When Aston moves back to Boston and finds Skyler living in the house he and his daughter, Zoey, are supposed to move into, the two get off on a bad foot. When Skyler finds out she's pregnant from an ex she wants to leave behind...well, let's just say deciding to get married was mutually beneficial for the both of them.

The little family of Skyler, Aston, and Zoey just made my heart so happy (I LOVE SINGLE PARENT BOOKS). Seeing how well Skyler and Zoey got along, despite her hatred of Aston, you cannot help but fall in love with them. And the overprotective nature of Aston throughout the story--especially with showing Skyler how valued she is and how amazing of a woman she is, despite the internalized shame she has over her appearances. You can really see the change in her and her confidence throughout the story, which was just an absolute joy to see.

The tension. The angst. The drama. THE SPICE!!! Oof, this book had it all!

If you love Grey's Anatomy, but with bigger families and more biological relations, I'd HIGHLY recommend picking up any of the books in the Boston world! All the books are complete standalones, but there are A LOT of side characters, so why not binge read a bunch of billionaire doctors, nurses, athletes, and everything under the sun falling in love 💖💖.

EEP I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!! Thank you so much to Julie and her team for the eARC! Forever Undone is available now!

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo many feeling from this book and legit struggling to conform a coherent thought after finishing. This book Julie step up to the plate and took it to the field. I did NOT expect everything we got in this story but it was done with grace and poise, and honestly shedded light on a VERY HARD subject for people to address. With that be a wise, healthy reader and check your trigger warnings before starting. Aston and Skylar do NOT have a simple story and it comes with many dark things lurking in the shadows.

I do want to say too how much i personally appreciate Julie’s grace and kindness when writing this story. You can tell she took her time, research, and sensitivity to write this story and it shows!! As someone who personally deals with these things on a professional level, these cycles are hard for victims to see and get out of and it really does change their thought process. So thank you Julie for all you did with this book! I can’t wait for the rest of this series.

Now as for the parts you’re dying to hear. You have Aston who is a single adorable dad to Zoey! They recently move back home to where his family is after Zoey’s mother passes away. They are trying to figure out their new norms and working on getting settled and established… during their settling period they learn they have an unknown housemate - Skylar - Astons best friends little sister, and the woman who he can’t stop his mind from wandering too. These two HATE each other, but Skylar is quickly melted by adorable little Zoey 💕 … not so much mindless to her daddy though. The question will be does Skylar and Aston destroy each other or can they find a way to coexist? Remember the line between love and hate is thin …

The narrators did a wonderful job! CJ Bloom and JF Harding. Their Duet together is always top tier and they always find away for you to feel the energy of the characters. All their emotions, wants and darkest desires.

[Destany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This book completely swept me away. This was the kind of reading experience where the world fades out and nothing else exists except these characters. I’m a sucker for an “it was always you” romance, and adding the best friend’s little sister dynamic made it even better. Plus there's family lines deeply woven in this series, as the main characters are children from other books by Julie!

There’s something so satisfying about years of history, unspoken feelings and that slow, inevitable realization that the person you’ve always needed has been right there all along. The tension? Immaculate. The yearning? Off the charts. I love how interconnected all the characters and families feel. Getting to spend more time with familiar faces felt like catching up with old friends. That sense of community made the story even more meaningful.

Skylar and Aston had incredible chemistry. Every interaction carried weight, every moment of closeness felt earned and watching them try (and fail) to ignore their feelings was half the fun. I was rooting for them so hard. And Zoey? She was such a bright spot and added so much heart to the story.

I’ll admit, the marriage setup didn’t completely convince me. It felt a little thin and perhaps unnecessary. But honestly? I didn’t care. I was so invested in the characters and their relationship that I happily went along for the ride. The emotional payoff made it worth it.

A quick note to check the trigger warnings before diving in: there is discussion and on-page domestic violence (not between the main characters). Overall, it felt handled with care, though there is one internal monologue that may be particularly difficult for readers who have experienced something similar.

All in all, this was emotional, immersive and deeply satisfying. I’m already counting down the days until the next book in the series.

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love everything J Saman writes especially the world of the Boston elite, the Fritz, Hughes, the Central Square and the others. Love stories that aren’t easy. They’re messy, forbidden, spicy, suspenseful but at the heart is love that conquers all.

This book contains some great tropes:
Grumpy/sunshine
Single dad
Age gap
Workplace romance
They’ve both been hurt before
He falls first/hard
Marriage of convenience
Close proximity
Surprise baby (not his)
Ex drama (hers)
Suspense

Aston is trying to help his daughter adjust to the passing of her mother by moving her closer to his family and friends. Skylar is trying to move on with her life after leaving an emotionally abusive relationship that was inching towards physical. Both unknowingly are told to move in to her brother Micah’s home while he is out of the country. But they shared a Valentine’s Day kiss 2 years ago that left an impact and it’s awkward.

They both embark on a journey to forever but they have a lot of obstacles. Ashton and Skylar have to learn to trust and to realize not everyone will treat them like their exes. Once Ashton sets out to show Skylar how she should be treated and that he’s all in, things change. I adored Skylar. She was so real. Her insecurities of her childhood were manipulated by her ex. But she’s so strong finding the strength to move on from him and she grows stronger as the book goes on and you just read cheering her on and being so proud of her for never settling and learning to trust again and taking control of her life.

Once Ashton got out of his head and tuned out the noise around him, he was perfect and so sexy and supportive yet vulnerable. And Zoey, my heart broke for her and I was glad she got a happy ending too.

I love this Boston Billionaire world and am excited to see it continue and can’t wait for Roman and Braelyn!

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forever Undone by J.Saman brought all my favorite swoony spicy tropes together. I was like a kid in Disneyland! The adult version, of course. It was all about sinful forbidden attraction that leads to a soul deep love.

🩺 doctor and nurse
🩺 forced proximity ( has to share a house)
🩺 enemies to lovers
🩺single dad
🩺 marriage of convenience
🩺 age gap
🩺 forbidden ( best friend's sister)
🩺 accidental pregnancy ( not his)

Aston is going through a lot. Death of his ex wife, taking care of his little girl, moving to Boston to start new job of head Pediatric Trauma surgeon. The last thing he need is to share his best friend's house with the best friend's sister who also works in the same hospital as Pediatric nurse. Because they shared a sexy kiss in darkness, without knowing each other's identity, about one year back in a Valentines day party and the chemistry is cracking. Skyler has just recovered from an abusive relationship but the pregnancy news knocks her off her feet. Aston suggests something outrageous. A fake marriage to get her ex( who is a resident in their hospital) off her back and to give his little girl emotional stability. But you know what happens to every fake relationship...


Aston is so deliciously alpha! He is all bossy and controlling and brooding. Life has thrown a lot of curveballs on his path and he is struggling to balance everything in his plate and constantly feels like he is failing his baby. And sometimes failing his best friend by by feeling crazy attraction to his sister. Skylar is such a sassy and sweet person that I couldn't imagine her hiding so much vulnerabilities and insecurities. She has worked hard to overcome her fears and the relationship has almost undone all. The pregnancy is a dilemma because she loves becoming mother but she is scared of her ex whom she just cannot let in again. Aston came like a hero even though they started at pretty bitter terms. Aston wanted her to move out at the beginning and he was very harsh and judgemental, mostly to hide his panic and desperation. Skylar gave it back though. But once he came to know her fear and pain and doubts, je was all in. He stood by her like a rock. He protected her through the storm. The fighting was just foreplay after all. He never thought he will fall in love again but Skylar made him whole. She never imagined to be loved and worshipped in such obsessed devoted way but she found the epic love story.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Kelly (kelsreads.andotherthings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a new series! Forever Undone is the first book in the Forever Boston Series, and right out of the gate we get an enemies-to-lovers, brother's best friend, pregnant (but not his baby) masterpiece!

When Aston Hughes moves back to Boston with his little girl, his best friend, Micha, offers up his place in the city, the only problem, Micha's younger sister Skyler is already living there. Aston and Skyler have a tiny bit of history, having kissed during a blackout several years ago, on Valentine's Day, no less. But, no love is lost between them after Aston declares the kiss a giant mistake (a lie, obviously!). Now, the animosity is ramped up to a 10 as these two try to coexist in the same house AND the same workplace, since Aston is the new trauma surgeon at the hospital where Skyler works as a nurse. But, things get complicated when Skyler finds out she pregnant with her emotionally abusive ex's baby and Aston agrees to step in and marry her to keep her safe.

I haven't read too many "not his baby" books, but I'm going to need to find all the recs because the protective nature of Aston toward Skyler was EVERYTHING! Aston and Skyler's chemistry was palpable from the moment he stepped into the already occupied home and I was here for every tension filled interaction. Their snarky quips back and forth were heated and I loved every second of it. However, it was balanced with moments of sweetness, especially between Aston's daughter, Zoey, and Skyler. Their relationship was tender and endearing, not only to me but Aston. I loved watching their little unit grow into something more!

I was lucky enough to also get an ALC of this book and C.J. Bloom and J.F. Harding did a fantastic job with Skyler and Aston. Done in duet narration, these narrators really brought all the aspects of each character's personality to life.

4.5/5 Rounded Up

[HollyJane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review — Forever Undone by J. Saman

I was really intrigued going into Forever Undone because marriage of convenience and pregnancy tropes are two of my absolute favorites, and this one had such a strong premise. Skyler finds herself pregnant by her abusive ex and agrees to marry her older brother’s best friend, Aston, in a marriage of convenience for protection and stability. That setup alone had me immediately invested.

I also loved seeing the brother’s best friend trope here, especially with the added layers of their shared history and unresolved tension. There was definitely emotional complexity and some suspense woven into the story, which kept things interesting and added depth beyond just the romance.

That said, I struggled a bit with the chemistry between Skyler and Aston. While I understood the tension and emotional walls they both had up, I found myself wanting more emotional vulnerability and connection between them. At times, they came across as more harsh than heartfelt, and it made it harder for me to fully connect with their romance.

The pacing itself was solid, and the story flowed well overall. I did find myself a little bored in parts of the middle, but the suspense elements and Skyler’s personal journey helped keep me engaged. This wasn’t a standout read for me, but it was still an enjoyable one with a compelling premise and emotional moments.

I received an ARC of Forever Undone from Valentine PR (VPR) in exchange for an honest review, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review this story early. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Overall, Forever Undone is a solid read, especially if you love marriage of convenience, pregnancy tropes, and emotional, tension-filled romances.

[Amber H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some romances burn slow. This one simmers like a pot you forgot on the stove, quiet at first, then suddenly filling the whole house with heat.

Forever Undone leans heavily into emotional complexity. Skyler is rebuilding her life after leaving a toxic relationship, and she has to do it under fluorescent hospital lights with her ex still orbiting her daily. There’s no clean break here. Just grit, boundaries, and the steady work of choosing herself over and over.

Aston, trauma surgeon and longtime family fixture, is not a flashy hero. He’s controlled. Observant. The kind of man who doesn’t waste words but makes every one count. Their history adds weight to every interaction. This isn’t strangers to lovers. It’s familiarity shifting shape, friendship cracking open to reveal something deeper and far more dangerous.

The “mutual agreement” between them starts as a logical solution to messy circumstances. What I appreciated most is that the relationship doesn’t rely on constant drama to move forward. It builds through quiet moments, shared burdens, and the way they show up for each other when things are uncomfortable.

Skyler’s resilience stands out. She isn’t written as fragile or waiting to be rescued. She’s decisive, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her peace. Aston’s devotion to his daughter adds dimension to his character and raises the emotional stakes in a way that feels organic rather than convenient.

If you’re looking for a romance that prioritizes emotional maturity, layered characters, and love that grows through real world complications rather than grand theatrics, Forever Undone delivers exactly that.

*I received a free copy and chose to leave an honest review.